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Bill > SJR133

NJ SJR133

NJ SJR133
Designates October of each year as "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" in New Jersey.

summary

Introduced
09/30/2024
In Committee
09/30/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This resolution designates October of each year as "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" in New Jersey. Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect in which an area of the spinal column does not form properly, leaving a section of the spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed through an opening in the back. Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that happen in fetuses within the first month of pregnancy. Neural tube defects are linked to folic acid deficiency before and during pregnancy. Around 1,500 babies are born with spina bifida in the United States each year. The most recent New Jersey State Health Assessment Data on spina bifida reported that there are 152 New Jerseyans living with the medical condition. The severity of spina bifida can range from mild with no symptoms to severe with nerve damage. The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown. A combination of genetics and environmental factors is thought to be the main cause of the birth defect. Designating October of each year as "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" would provide New Jerseyans with an annual reminder on the effects that spina bifida has on individuals diagnosed with the birth defect.

AI Summary

This joint resolution designates October of each year as "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" in New Jersey to raise public understanding about this neural tube birth defect, which affects the spinal column's development and can cause exposed spinal cord and nerves. The resolution provides detailed information about spina bifida, explaining that it occurs in approximately 1 per 2,000 live births, with around 1,500 babies born with the condition annually in the United States, and specifically 1.97 babies per 10,000 births in New Jersey. The resolution outlines the varying severity of the condition, from mild forms like spina bifida occulta (which is typically asymptomatic) to more severe types like myelomeningocele, which can cause significant nerve damage. While the exact cause is unknown, the resolution suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including potential folic acid deficiency during pregnancy, may contribute to the condition. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing the month and encourages public officials and citizens to participate in awareness activities and programs to help educate people about spina bifida's impact on individuals and families.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 09/30/2024)

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Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SJR133
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SJR/133_I1.HTM
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